Three men rescued from Kinneret by helicopter - video

Three men were rescued by a helicopter after becoming lost in Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) last Saturday, according to a press release from the Police Spokesperson.

Three men rescued from Kinneret by helicopter | https://t.co/ICnJwBl4qm pic.twitter.com/4Bmia9XuYd

— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) September 22, 2023

Israel Police received a report at around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday that three young men had left Dekel Beach on a jet ski at approximately 4:30 p.m. and had not returned. 

Immediately upon receiving the report, authorities began a search and rescue operation.

They carried out scans along the coast, while a maritime police unit and Magen David Adom (MDA) carried scans out on the Kinneret. After sunset, a helicopter operated by the Israel Police Aerial Unit also joined in the search. 

At around 9:00 p.m., the helicopter operators directed the maritime police to respond to a report about jet skis in the northern area of the Kinneret; according to the report people could be seen sitting on the vehicle and waving for help. 

Authorities arrived at the location and rescued the three men, bringing them back to the beach safely. 

The police have emphasized the dangers of entering rough waters. 

Here are their tips for maritime safety: 

• Sail or swim with companions, never alone
• Only enter a boat while wearing a life jacket 
• Be equipped with a means of communication in case of emergency
• Update a contact "outside the water" that can report an emergency 
• In the event of a life-threatening situation, immediately report to emergency services